Two public hearings about the proposed northern beltline are scheduled later this month.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has set the hearings for 4-8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Gardendale Civic Center and 4-8 p.m. at the Bessemer Civic Center.  Maps of the proposed highway plan to connect I-20/50 in southwest Jefferson County to I-59 in northeast Jefferson will be on display.

Proponents have said that the project is expected to create new jobs and economic opportunities for surrounding areas, including St. Clair County.

The cities of Argo and Springville and the St. Clair County Commission are among local governments supporting the project.

Caleb Goodwyn, field representative for Rep. Spencer Bachus, and Renee Carter, of the Coalition for Regional Transportation, called for local support for the beltline.

“We would appreciate as much support as we can get at these hearings,” Goodwyn said Tuesday.  “The northern beltline will create jobs, business growth, and economic impact for the entire region.”

“The reason this project has stalled for the past 40 years is that there has not been a strong show of support for it,” Carter told local officials.  “We need people to show up in large numbers in support of this project.”